PRUDENTLY CHOSEN
ABOUT ISABELLA JEWELLERS & REFINERS
ABOUT
Isabella Jewellers & Refiners (IJR) is a proudly South African precious metals refinery and jewellery manufacturing company, based in Gauteng. We support jewellers and manufacturers nationwide by supplying high-quality 24ct gold, platinum, silver, and custom gold alloys crafted to exact specifications.
As a registered precious metals refinery, we specialize in the sustainable recovery and recycling of gold, platinum, and silver through advanced pyrometallurgy techniques. Our expertise extends to refining a wide range of jewellers’ waste—including sweeps, filings, polishing residues, solutions, old jewellery, solids, and sludge—ensuring maximum value recovery for our clients.
At IJR, our vision is to set the standard as South Africa’s leading independent precious metals refinery and bespoke jewellery manufacturer. We recognize that every client has unique needs, and we go beyond traditional transactions by building collaborative partnerships that co-create value and lasting trust.
OUR VISION
At IJR, our vision is to set the standard as South Africa’s leading independent precious metals refinery and bespoke jewellery manufacturer. We recognize that every client has unique needs, and we go beyond traditional transactions by building collaborative partnerships that co-create value and lasting trust.
OUR MISSION
At Isabella Jewellers & Refiners, our mission is to refine excellence—recovering and recycling precious metals responsibly while crafting jewellery that reflects both beauty and integrity. We are committed to supporting the jewellery industry with ethical refining practices, superior metals, and bespoke manufacturing solutions that meet the highest standards. By combining innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, we strive to create enduring value for our clients, our community, and the future of precious metals.
THE ISABELLA JEWELLERS STORY
The story of Isabella Jewellers and Refiners is one of resilience, vision, and legacy. Founded by master goldsmith and rough diamond evaluator Isabella Kobela in 2008 with just R2,000, the business has grown from a modest jewellery-making venture into a multifaceted enterprise. Today, IJR not only produces bespoke jewellery but also supplies precious metals to wholesalers and leads in eco-conscious refining and recycling. Isabella’s entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by her father’s craftsmanship as a shoe repairman, paved the way for her success in an industry where opportunities for black female entrepreneurs have historically been limited.
In 2012, Isabella’s daughter Meiki Ngcengeni joined the company as CEO, bringing her expertise in Transport and Supply Chain Management. Together, the mother-daughter team has built a business that marries artistry with strategy, while also championing the development of future artisans. Through the De Beers Enterprise Development Programme and their own learnership initiatives, Isabella Jewellers and Refiners provides training in everything from traditional goldsmithing to advanced CAD design—creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship alike. With six employees and a growing base of learners, the company continues to embody its mission: turning challenges into opportunities while shaping the next generation of South Africa’s jewellery industry.
IN THE NEWS RECENTLY
Sunday Tribute
Published July 2025 | Ashley Lechman
From challenges to triumph, the story of Isabella Kobela and her daughter, Meiki Ngcengeni in the jewellery industry
EWN
Published 16 July 2025 | Rafiq Wagiet
Stephen Grootes speaks to Meiki Ngcengeni, CEO of Isabella Design, about growing a jewellery business started with just R2000 into a full-scale design, refining, and recycling operation.
CNBC Interview
Published 16 July 2025 | Rafiq Wagiet
 In this insightful conversation, CNBC Africa’s Prudence Makhubalo spoke with Meiki Ngcegeni, CEO of Isabella Jeweller and Refiners. With a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies and a passion for jewellery-making, Meiki shares her expertise and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the world of jewellery and its significance in South African culture.